Palin official John Bitney leaves post for personal reasons

Palin's staff described John Bitney's resignation as "amicable." Bitney and Palin mutually agreed he would leave his post for personal reasons, said Sharon Leighow, Palin's deputy press secretary.

Bitney worked as a front man for Palin's Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, which lawmakers passed this May. The law creates a selection process in which the state will choose a licensee to build a North Slope natural gas pipeline.

Bitney also oversaw the governor's bill on ethics reform, signed into law Monday by Palin. He also guided the state budgets through the Legislature.

Before becoming legislative director, Bitney worked as an aide on Palin's campaign for governor. He previously was a lobbyist and worked for the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. during Gov. Tony Knowles' tenure.

Christopher Clark, who was deputy legislative director, will take over Bitney's job as acting legislative director until Palin chooses a permanent successor. Clark joined Palin's staff in 2006 after working as a television and radio reporter in Alaska.